One bold prediction for Raiders No. 13 overall pick Brock Bowers in 2024 NFL season

The Las Vegas Raiders needed a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, but once they were on the clock at No. 13, the top 6 quarterbacks were already off the board.  So, what did the Raiders do?  They selected the best available players in tight end Brock Bowers.

After selecting Michael Mayer a year ago, tight end didn’t seem like the top need for the Raiders at that spot in the draft.  In fact, there were other needs the team could’ve taken care of with such a high pick.  They were in position to draft an offensive lineman or one of the top cornerbacks in the draft but couldn’t pass up the temptation to add Bowers to the mix.

Honestly, the Raiders can’t go wrong with a talent like Bowers.  The two-time John Mackey Award-winner was hands down the best tight end over the last two seasons with the Bulldogs.  Although battling injuries during his last season in Georgia, Bowers still managed 56 receptions for 714 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns.  As one of the top offensive playmakers in the draft, the Raiders may consider themselves lucky he slipped to No. 13 despite their other areas of need.

What the Las Vegas Raiders could have in Brock Bowers

With Mayer coming on towards the end of the season, the Raiders have to be fascinated with the prospect of having a two-headed monster at tight end.  While the attention is more on the team having a quarterback to even get them the ball, the Mayer and Bowers duo should create some matchup nightmares, particularly Bowers.

As the more versatile of the two tight ends, Bowers is a controlled route-runner with the talent and tenacity to beat linebackers and the physicality to overpower defensive backs.  As a high-volume target at Georgia, the Raiders rookie displayed great athleticism and if it wasn’t for a lower leg injury towards the end of his college career could’ve easily been a top 5 pick.  Some could argue he still should’ve been selected a lot higher than he was.

Bold prediction for the 2024 NFL season

Things could go south quickly in Vegas. If neither veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew nor second-year signal caller Aidan O’Connell can take control of the offense, top playmaker Davante Adams could finagle his way out of Vegas.  What does this mean for Bowers?  Unless and until Adams is no longer a Raider, the young tight end will benefit from his presence.

While Jacoby Meyers should draw some attention, Bowers will get his opportunity to shine in Vegas, especially if Adams is no longer in the mix by the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline.  Because the team also has Mayer at tight end and due to the uncertainly at tight end, Bowers won’t have the type of rookie season Sam LaPorta had in Detroit, but he will be a factor in the offense almost immediately.  Bowers will catch over 40 catches for 600+ yards and will make his presence known immediately with a strong Week 1 performance against the Los Angeles Chargers, a team he was linked to before the draft.

With over 5 catches and a touchdown, Bowers will have the Chargers wishing they didn’t pass up on him.